RSS Feed
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sales, Wheatley get top awards from Cattlemen
"This cattle operation is very deserving and we want to let you know how much has been done on this farm," said Alan Bridges, WCCA president. "He has helped most of you in some way with your cattle operation," he said, "and his humble manner makes it very hard to obtain all the facts." Sales was an honor graduate of Washington-Wilkes High School in 1973 and after graduating from the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in 1981, he returned to Wilkes County to practice with Dr. J.T. Bryson. He has continued the practice since that time and is now the owner of the Wilkes County Veterinary Clinic on the Athens Highway. "He continued so support his alma mater by training underclassmen with 'hands-on experience' in his practice," Bridges said.
Also on the agenda at the Cattlemen's banquet was the posthumous presentation of the Hall of Fame award to Roy Wallace Wheatley. Described as the "Cattleman's Friend," Wheatley was a lifelong resident of Wilkes County and maintained a herd of as many as 100 brood cows before his untimely death by accident in August of 2006. "Wallace was the person who cared for his neighbors far and wide," Bridges said in his tribute. "If he were to pass your pasture or house and see a situation what didn't look exactly right, he would turn around, go back and tell you, and then help with the situation."
"There are many attributes that could be said of his life," Bridges concluded, "Each one of you has a story you can tell. These are memories we will hold forever in our hearts." Just prior to the presentation of the Cattleman of the Year and Hall of Fame awards, Brett Walker, daughter of Clay and Midge Walker of Rayle, was recognized as the WCCA scholarship winner. Evans Hooks, president of the Georgia Cattlemen's Association, was the banquet's featured speaker and told about the future of the GCA and current issues that affect the state's cattlemen. Dinner music was provided by "The Gays" from Lincolnton. New officersof the WCCA were recognized as follows: Jeff Pendrey, president; Laurie Dehil, vice president; Carol Jackson, secretary; Pat Bobo, treasurer; and Alan Bridges, past president. One- and two-year directors include Dr. M.R. Clayton, Kerry McAvoy Jr., David Reville, Rodney Shedd, Wade Johnson, Willard Lance, David VanHart, and Tony White. Chris Charping is the only junior director.
During the past year, the WCCA has sponsored beef and dairy shows, provided lunch for 125 students at Farm Safety Camp, and contributed over $1,000 to 4-H and FFA annual awards banquets. As part of Beef Promotion Month, the WCCA sponsored lunches for the Wilkes County Commissioners and officestaff and Washington City Council members, as well as beef certificatesfor a trivia contest, and the Beef Expo and Cook-off.
|
for larger version       |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
)
)
)
